Leadership in the Lord's way

Choice 4: John 13:1–17; Luke 22:24–30; Mark 10:43–45. The Savior Taught the Apostles about Leadership

1.     Study John 13:1–17; Luke 22:24–30; Mark 10:43–45. Write a paragraph or two about how the application of these teachings makes leadership in the Church of Jesus Christ different from what the world usually describes as leadership.

2.     Write a paragraph or two about a time when one of your Church leaders or someone in the scriptures served and led in the way Jesus Christ taught.

Leadership skills the Savior teaches both directly and indirectly 

John 13:1-17

·       He loved whom He served – “he loved them unto the end.” John 13:1

·       He knew His Father in Heaven and His purpose – “Jesus know that the Father had given all things into his hands, and that he was come from God, and went to God.” John 13:2

·       He served all people including His disciples, “…he poureth water into a basin and began to wash the disciples’ feet, and to wipe them with the towel wherewith he was girded.” John 13:5

·       He perceived and was aware of the situation –“For he knew who should betray him;” John 13:11

·       He lead by example –“For I have given you an example, that ye should do as I have done to you.” John 13:15

·       He was humble –“Verily, verily, I say unto you, The servant is not greater than his Lord; neither he that is sent greater than he that sent him.” John 13:16

·       He taught truth – “If ye know these things, happy are ye if ye do them.” John 13:17

Luke 22:24-30

·      The Savior taught that great leadership is not exercising authority, but to minister to people. Serve others and assist those in need. Leadership is in the doing and not in authority or title.

Mark 10:43-45

·      The Savior is the greatest of leadership examples. He “is ordained of God and sent forth, the same is appointed to be the greatest, notwithstanding he is the least and the servant of all.” D&C 50:26

·      All things are subject to Him –D&C 50:27

·      We are to lead as the Savior leads and minister to each other. Mark 10:43

Just this past Sunday, a young man gave a talk before he left for his mission. It was a great talk and after he spoke our Bishop called Justin back up to stand beside him at the pulpit. The Bishop shared his love for Justin and praised him for preparing to serve the Lord. With his arm around Justin he shared an experience they had together earlier on in the week. Bishop Anderson was called to give a blessing to a member in need at the hospital. He wanted to take Justin with him to help him prepare to use the priesthood. Justin was ready to go and listened to the Bishop give instruction on the way to the hospital. This was Justin’s first time giving a blessing so our Bishop was teaching Him and ensured Justin that he was going to be there with him. He told Justin to share what came to his heart. As the Bishop described the sacredness of this experience, I was touched by the love our Bishop had for Justin and for the desire he had to teach him. Our Bishop served right along with Justin. To me this experience today reminded me of the Savior. The Lord, Jesus Christ, loves us. He is with us to teach us and serve with us. Just as Bishop Anderson put his arm around Justin, so the Lord comforts us as we go about doing His work. Our Bishop wasn’t concerned if Justin would say the right thing he had faith in Justin and most importantly in the Lord. I’m grateful for the example of leadership Bishop Anderson is to me. More than once he has encouraged, warned, taught and served us just as the Savior would do if he were here.